NUJ, Prof Pate task media organisations on deliberative journalism, ethics

Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, and the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, have called on media professionals to adopt deliberative journalism and uphold ethical standards to support the advancement of good governance in the country.

Speaking during the two-day Media Summit organised by the Bauchi State Council of the NUJ, themed "Journalists and Good Governance", Yahaya described fairness and objectivity as fundamental pillars of the journalism profession.

He was represented at the summit by the Union’s former National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Liman. Yahaya emphasised the need for journalists to also prioritise their safety while fulfilling their duty as public watchdogs.

"First, we must understand that we have to be alive to tell the story. In any environment where our safety is not guaranteed, we must avoid placing our lives at risk. At the same time, we remain critical partners in nurturing democratic governance and must do so with objectivity," he said.

Also addressing the gathering, Professor Umar Pate, Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Kashere, who was represented by Professor Godfrey Dannan, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, stated that journalists must adapt to evolving global media practices.

"We were taught that journalists should distance themselves from their reports and allow audiences to make their own judgments. But now, the times are changing," Dannan explained.

“We need to embrace deliberative journalism, a concept that allows reporters to participate in informed discourse on matters of public interest. This means going beyond routine reportage to engage issues through a democratic, community-focused lens.”

Professor Pate further encouraged journalists to adopt solutions-based reporting and move away from reliance on press releases, which he described as mere organisational statements lacking critical engagement.

The summit drew participation from high-profile stakeholders including the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Aminu Gamawa.

Also in attendance were the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Shehu Usman, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, alongside media executives from within and outside Bauchi State, and journalists representing a wide array of media organisations.